Published on Oct, 2024
Great expérience from end to end. Easy booking, response to questions before we travelled, organising transfer from airport, etc. Trek it self was amazing. Do need to remember, Himalayas is world's biggest mountain range and the valleys are very steep sided and deep, more so than anywhere in Europe. So walking on "flat" days is up and down and both up and down can be pretty steep. We are 60ish, and reasonably fit and were fine. Accommodation in homestays was very good, they are best described as small guest houses. They were clean, comfortable, with private toilets and bowls of hot water when needed. Food was also really good, noodles, dhal, rice and curries. Popcorn and garlic soup for the altitude - who knew! Lastly we had a great guide, Pemba. Very knowldegelabe, encouraging when needed, and good company. He was terrific.
I should say something about the route too. It's very varied, thick jungle like forest, to open scubby heights. The views of Kanchenjunga were amazing when it appeared from the clouds, truly awe inspiring. Sadly due to late Sept rains, there was more cloud early October than usual so we didn't get to see Everest and other peaks. Nevertheless it was a fabulous trek and I highly recommend it.
Last thing, trekking hut at Phalut is very basic, well below std elsewhere. Apparently it's getting and upgrade,... and needs it.
